Is Etiquette Back Again? Part Two

The ever-changing dynamics of business requires occasional updates on what is preferred and acceptable business behavior. Instantaneous connections on mobile phones has created a world where everyone expects instant answers from you after office hours – something that wasn’t even possible just a decade ago. Clients feel entitled to having your personal cell phone numbers so they can call or text you at any hour of the night, and when you don’t respond, they get angry. Wow, when did we allow our business to creep into our personal lives?

This is Part 2 of my blog: Is Etiquette Back Again? In order to maintain respect from co-workers, your boss and/or your employees, and your clients/customers, here are 15 tips:

Always respond to callers (phone/written) within 24 hours. Even if you’re not interested in their proposal, a simple “Thank you but I am not interested” is best. Unless it’s spam (unwanted emails from people you don’t know), you want to dissuade your caller without insulting them. Besides, there are some crazy people out there and you don’t want them to retaliate. An email or text is okay even when they left a voice message for you.
Always inform the team or boss if you will not be able to meet a deadline in time for them to make different plans. In other words, don’t tell them you didn’t do something when it’s due. Instead, write a simple apology and give a realistic deadline that you know you can meet.
Always pick up the tab for business meals/drinks when you do the inviting. If you anticipate a struggle, pay in advance by giving your credit card to the waiter before your guest arrives.
Always be thankful when someone picks up the tab (even when it’s expected). Follow up with a quick thank you email or text the following day.
Never order the most expensive entrée on the menu when your friends or colleagues are ordering moderately-priced items – especially if you’ve agreed to split the bill. Likewise, order wine and drinks in the same price range as the meal. If they’re ordering appetizers, sides, and desserts, follow suit, otherwise you might feel cheated when it comes time to split the bill in half.
Never order messy finger foods like ribs and corn on the cob when dining with colleagues or business associates. Besides having food lodged between your teeth, your face will need washing and you’ll be quite the sight! Stay away from carbonated drinks if you can’t control your burping. There’s nothing more unappetizing than talking to someone who is trying to contain a burp!
Always use good table etiquette: salad fork on the outside, dinner fork on the inside. Spoon soup away from your body, and don’t slurp! Don’t hold your bread in your other hand and dip in the soup. Cut meat with your dominant hand and switch your fork to eat it. Yes, this is controversial but when in doubt, go with American tradition.
Always maintain control of yourself while drinking with business associates. Even though they may be socially drinking, if you can’t keep up with them, don’t embarrass yourself. Drink plenty of water or ginger ale. Remember, they’re taking mental notes that will definitely effect their business decisions about you later. Think: This is a job interview.
Always dress for success. We all know that beauty sells (whether we like it or not) so put together outfits that make you stand out professionally. Make sure that your clothes are clean, pressed, and fresh. Brush and floss your teeth. There’s no bigger turn off than a person with body odor or bad breath!
Never date co-workers — period. When the relationship ends, you’ll be miserable at work and the entire workforce will be watching both of you. The way you handle the breakup will be public and your performance reviews will reflect both of your maturity and professionalism. Besides, it’s nice to have separate work and personal worlds. They’ll give you time to recharge and appreciate one another.
Always smile and be charming. If you smile before you pick up the phone or write that letter, you’ll be received better. Use your charm to improve your workplace and you’ll be remembered for it.
Never use profanity in the workplace or in public. A potty mouth makes you look crass and unrefined. Use the dictionary to find words to better describe your circumstances and you’ll send a much clearer message and receive respect from colleagues. Save cussing for private conversations to let off steam.
Always be clear about your intent for gift giving during the holidays and birthdays. By announcing several months in advance that you would like to or would not like to exchange gifts, you won’t hurt any feelings and you’ll avoid those awkward moments when you’re handed a gift that you aren’t prepared to reciprocate. Besides, exchanging gifts between lots of people can rack up charges on credit cards that’ll be difficult to pay down. So let everyone know our gift-giving plans ahead of time.
Always “pay it forward” because you could always use good karma! Let people go before you in line, and it will make their day. It can turn sour people into grateful people. Besides, what if that person you wouldn’t allow to cut before you was your future client or boss? What if that person was having a heart attack and needed to get the hospital? If you could spare 5 seconds, let others go first.
Always say “thank you,” “no thank you,” and “you’re welcome.” Like paying it forward, it makes people glad they did something for you because they feel appreciated. These are little things that can turn around bad days. You can send this message in an email, text or call – better yet, say them face to face!

By using smart etiquette, you’ll put out a professional air that speaks volumes about you. If you need a little help getting started, read books on etiquette or take a class. It’s like a make-over from the inside out!